The knock at the door was deliberate — slow, heavy, echoing through the marble hall. Natalie’s heart skipped a beat. She froze, glancing at Adrian.
He didn’t move at first. His jaw tightened, his storm-gray eyes narrowing. “Stay here,” he said quietly to Natalie and Ethan, who clung to her side.
Natalie’s palms were clammy as she watched him stride to the door. The hallway seemed to stretch longer with every step. He opened it slowly.
Standing in the shadows was a man in a sharp black coat, his expression unreadable, eyes hidden beneath the brim of a fedora. He didn’t speak at first — just held up a small black envelope.
Adrian’s eyes flicked to it, then back to the stranger. “Who sent you?” His voice was calm, but it carried a threat.
The man’s lips curled into the faintest smirk. “I
